Restaurant Details

Several things set Messners above most sports bars: (1) It's pretty inside -- all dark wood and chrome accents and, when I was there, so many paper snowflakes and Christmas lights that I felt like I was in a cheery, low-rent Aspen decorated by third graders. The TVs are flat-screen, and the floor is clean -- no spilled beer, no cigarette butts. (2) The food is pretty good. The ranch dressing that comes with the onion rings tastes homemade, the potato-and-cheese soup has a pleasing spiciness, and there are little unexpected touches here and there, like a dollop of hummus on the veggie burger. Speaking of veggie burgers, (3) they have a decent selection for vegetarians. At most sports bars, non-meat-eaters get to pick between fries and jalapeno poppers. Messners has a few veggie sandwiches and soups, and six different salads. (4) It's not all about sports. The TVs will switch off the game when there's an awards show on, and not just the Oscars. Co-owner Lindy Morton-Clement says they'll be tuning in to just about any awards ceremony, including the Emmys and the VMAs. Haven't you always wanted to watch the VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards in a bar with a bunch of sports fans?